Steam diffuser for fabric pressing machines



April 1961 N. ROOT ETAL 2,977,697

STEAM DIFFUSER FOR FABRIC PRESSING MACHINES Filed Aug. 26, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 r "g I I .32 a? g i i INVENTORS. @Jim W 5 April 4, 1961 N. ROOT ETAL STEAM DIFFUSER FOR FABRIC PRESSING MACHINES Filed Aug. 26, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A IIIIIIIIIIIII.

STEAM DIFFUSER FOR FABRIC PRESSING MACHINES Nathan Root and Francis Gerald Nyman, Grand Rapids,-

Mich., assignors, by direct and mesne assignments, of ne-third -to Harold Baer and one-third to Bert Woldring, both of Grand Rapids, Mich.

Filed Aug. 26, 1958, Set. No. 757,252

6 Claims. 01. 38-16) This invention relates to improvements in steam diffusers for fabric pressing machines. In particular it has relation to an assembly for attachment to the upper buck of a steam pressing machine for subdividing the plurality of jets of steam fed through the upper buck to avoid the undesirable effects of impingement of high velocity steam directly onto the fabric. Although the invention will be described with reference to a conventional garment pressing machine it will become evident that the same is equally applicable to machines employed to press fabrics in the piece and other fabric articles, e.g. draperies.

In all such machines the article to be pressed is deposited on a lower buck and an upper buck is swung downwardly to compress the article between the two. While the article is thus held the operator admits steam to the interior of the upper buck. The steam issues through a plurality of orifices which are of comparatively large size compared with the mesh or weave of the fabric. Meanwhile vacuum is applied to the hollow interior of the lower buck through a plurality of ports in the upper face thereof.

In the absence of diffusing means overlying the lower face of the upper buck the high velocity jets of superheated steam produce several undesirable effects, among the more significant of which are: a polka dot pattern of so-called steammarks, so-called press-plate moire, puckering, waviness, Water spotting, streaking and shine. All of these are well-recognized in the trade for the cure of which various steam-diffusing devices have been advanced. The primary function of such devices has been to break up the jets of steam by interposing a screen or perforate plate in the path thereof. .However, these known to us have employed a rigid, perforate plate which, while substantially effective for the purpose, introduce other disadvantages, some of which are'denting of the plate by buttons on the garments being pressed, fusing of threads and other particles thereon and cracking due to fatigue failure.

The result of repeated denting is to produce a coarsely pebbled surface on the plate which, in turn, causes irregular application of pressure and poorfinish. The fusing of threads and other particles to the surface of the perforate plate not only eventually clogs the perforations but adversely marks the fabric. In one commerciallyavailable type of diffusing unit there is metal-to-metal contact between the unit and buck whereby the surface in contact with the fabric assumes a temperature which is nearly as high as that of the buck. Accordingly, the fabric is easily damaged by glazing, scorching, and embrittlement. Ordinarily the buck temperature ranges between 312 to 320 F. which is far abovethe pressing temperature allowable for present day synthetic fibers.

The present invention has for its principal objectthe provision of a steam diffusing assembly for attachment to the upper buck of afabricpressing machine characterized by improved steam .diffusing action.

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. 2 Another object is to provide an assembly as aforesaid mcorporating a cushion which performs the dualfunction of cushioning the buck with respect to the article being operated on while supplementing the steam-diffusing actlon.

A further object is to provide an assembly in accord. ance with the foregoing having a supporting frame leading to more facile adaptation of the same to the buck.

Another object is to provide an assembly as aforesaid which is characterized by substantial flexibility whereby the same more readily conforms to the concavity of the buck.

An additional object lies in providing an assembly as aforesaid in which that face thereof which contacts the fabric is somewhat flexible, thereby reducing the possi bility of permanent localized deformation by the pressure of buttons or other rigid appurtenances of the garments. 4

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description which, taken with the accompanying drawings, discloses various modes of carry- 1 ing the invention into practice.

' In this drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a steam diffusing assembly in accordance with the invention; a

Fig. 2'is a bottom plan view thereof; F Fig. 3 is a cross section taken on the line 3 -3 of Fig. 4 is a transverse cross section through the upper buck showing the invention assembly in place;

Figs. 5 to 10 inclusive are detailed sections showing various arrangements whereby the active elements of the assgmbly may be incorporated with the supporting frame; an

Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail of a portion of Fig. 4.

Broadly regarded the invention comprises a steam diffusing assembly together with a supporting frame for mounting the same on the upper buck of a machine for the steam pressing of fabrics and fabric articles. By way of example, the invention will be described as related to a machine of a common type which comprises a fixed lower buck, suitably padded, upon which the I garment or other fabric article is positioned, whereupon a movable upper buck is brought down and pressed upon the article. Steam is then caused to issue from the hollow interior of a chamber in the upper buck through a plurality of apertures in the lower w-all thereof. Vacuum applied to a similar chamber in the lower buck draws oh? the vapor and assists in drying the article. The invention assembly is adapted to cover the entire lower face of the upper buck and is attached thereto by any acceptable means, Commonly these steamdiffusing devices are attached by tension springs, hooked at their ends to the frame of the device and passed over the buck. However the attaching means form no part of the invention per se. The invention comprises an assembly of a metallic, somewhat resilientlower mesh sheet and a metallic, somewhat resilient, upper mesh sheet between which a resilient pad is interposed to absorb the bulk of the article being pressed and to enable the assembly to conform substantially to the curvature of the buck, together with a frame which extends peripherally of the sheets and pad to bind them into working relation and to serve as part of the-means for supporting the assembly on the upper buck as described. It will be understood that, the lower element of the assembly, viz., the fabric-contacting surface thereof, is at least coextensive with the working area of the lower buck and that the marginal frame is disposed outside of this area. The upper and lower elements of the assembly are of woven wire and the intermediate cushion ele- 3 ment of some suitably resilient material, e.g., stainless steel wool or heat resistant flannel in order to retain its position and dimensions notwithstanding .the variable impacts to which the same is subjected during pressing. When flannel is used the same is. disposed adjacent the outermost mesh sheet, namely the one which contacts the fabric, and with the nap directed outwardly in order that the nap may intromit the interstices of the mesh and become matted therewith. In this way, when pressure is applied to the fabric of the pressed article through the buck, the fabric receives a cushioned action, thereby avoiding the harsh, fabric-degrading effect of the firmer mesh sheet. The diffusing action of the mesh sheets may be supplemented by interposing a heat resistant woven or otherwise fabricated cloth on one or both faces of the intermediate cushion. In this connection we have found that idealized diffusing action is obtained when the gauge of the mesh defining the interstices through which the steam eventually'issues, namely, that element contacting the fabric, corresponds to the greatest practical extent with the mesh of the woven or other fabric being pressed. Stated otherwise, and referred to the fabrics being operated on, a comparatively coarse spacing of the apertures in the lower element of the assembly has been found to produce some of the undesirable effects of the unscreened jets of the upper buck, but in a reduced degree, whereas the effect of a fine wire mesh leads to optimum finish. It will be understood that a sheet metal plate presents a practical limit on the spacing of the perforations which may be punched or drilled therein, since not only do the punches or drills used become more difficult to maintain as their diameter is reduced, but as-the perforations are brought closed together the remainder of the sheet becomes substantially weakened. A wire mesh may be obtained with interstices much smaller in area and more closely spaced and, moreover, the wires forming the mesh are inherently more flexible and mutually supporting. The upper mesh element may be of coarser pitch than the lower element in order to provide an initial diffusing action which is increased by the lower element. Furthermore, the use of mesh elements of the utmost obtainable fineness, at least in the lower element, effects a better distribution of the steam over the entire working area. Thus a threestage diffusion of the jets is accomplished, by the upper mesh, the intermediate pad and the lower mesh, in that order. If the upper element is of too fine a pitch then a choking action is encountered and the velocity of the steam too much diminished. As stated, the diffusing action may be modified by interposing additional mesh elements, particularly woven fabric. Additionally, by utilizing wire mesh enhanced flexibility, pliancy and resiliency are imparted to the assembly as a whole, rendering it more readily conformable to the concavity of the buck and to the various parts of the garment, e.g., buttons, clasps, lapels, cuffs, etc.

Adverting to the drawings, we have shown, by way of example, a steam diffusing assembly comprising an upper element 10 of mesh material, e.g., non-rusting wire mesh having an area within a mounting frame 11 at least coextensive with the working area of the upper vbuck 12 of a steam pressing machine (not shown). Although shown as of generally straight-sided oval contour it will be understood that any other shape may be employed depending upon the outline of the buck. The gauge of the mesh may range between 45 x 45 to the inch and 60 x 60 to the inch. In one working embodiment the element 10 comprised 50 x 50 copper mesh of 0.009" diameter wire.

The lower element 14 likewise comprises mesh mate- .rial, e.g., non-rusting wire mesh. The gauge of the mesh may range between 45 x 45 to the inch and 80 x 80 .to 'the inch. In the working embodiment just mentioned the element 14 comprisedi60 x60 Monel meshr,of 0. 9" diameter wire. (Monel is a trademark of International ,4 Nickel Corporation which refers to its alloy of approximately 67% nickel, approximately 28% copper and approximately 5% of iron and manganese.)

The intermediate or cushion layer 16 is desirably nylon flannel which has been found to provide the necessary resiliency together with resistance to the temperatures encountered. Preferably the flannel is used doubled upon itself with the pile face outwardly. Other materials may be employed, e.g. stainless steel or non-ferrous fibers matted together or otherwise assembled into a product having substantial resiliency and coherence, sometimes called metal wool.

Fig. 11 is a detail illustrating the function of the screens 10 and 14. One of the apertures 20 in the buck 12 is indicated as of substantially larger diameter than the interstices 21 of the mesh and there is also indicated the space 22 naturally occurring between the upper screen 10 and the lower face 23 of the buck. Thus, it will be seen that a jet of steam issuing from the opening 20 flows into the space 22 and passes through the interstices of the several members of the assembly toward the article in process.

The three elements 10, 14 and 16 are retained marginally as a unit by the frame 11 now to be detailed. In the interests of compactness at the marginal area, the upper and lower elements only may be so retained by the frame and, since adequate location thereof may be realized simply by the sandwich effect of the upper and lower elements, the intermediate layer 16 may be terminated short of the frame.

If desired additional diffusing elements may be interposed between the upper and lower elements 10 and 14 and on either or both sides of the cushion 16. In alternative forms of the working embodiment mentioned above, we have'interposed a layer of heat treated nylon cloth between the element 14 and the cushion 16 with improved results but which for practical reasons, have not been found to justify the increased cost thereby incurred. In another embodiment a layer of asbestos cloth has been interposed between the element 10 and the cushion 16 whereby diffusion of the steam is further improved and the nylon flannel cushion insulated somewhat from the heat of the buck.

The frame 11 may take various forms, such as those shown in Figs. 5 to 10. In Fig. 5 a single strip of metal, coextensive lengthwise with the periphery of the assembly (Fig. 1), is bent back upon itself into a fold 31 which, in the assembly, is upstanding and adjacent the side wall 32 of the upper buck. A plurality of ears 33 are secured at spaced apart points about the periphery of the frame 11 and are provided with apertures 34 to receive the ends of the attaching springs 35 to which reference has been made. The two horizontal legs 37 and 38 of the frame 11 are spaced as shown and, between them, receive the elements 10, 14 and 16 in sandwiched relation. Although, in Fig. 5, the cushion 16 is shown as extending between the legs 37 and 38 the same may, as previously pointed out, terminate short of the same. To secure the elements 10, 14 and 16 the legs 37 and 38 may be crimped thereupon or otherwise deformed to counteract any tendency of the parts to separate. Other conventional modesof integrating the mesh and pad elements to the frame may be resorted to.

Fig. 6 illustrates another alternative in which the frame, in this case referred to as 11a, comprises a metal blank having two principal legs 41 and 42, the vertical one of which is returned upon itself to form a shortened leg 43. However, before being so returned the respective margins of the screens 10 and 14 are held in proper position in order that the leg 43, when finally deformed into position, may serve to clamp the same. Here too the legs 41 and 43 may be crimped to complete the joint.

The modification 11 of Fig. 7 is similar ,in construction and function to that of Fig. 6 except that, in this instance, the leg 43 is replaced with an L-shaped clamping strip 45 united to the outer leg 46 by screws, rivets or equivalent means 47.

The form of frame 110 shown in Fig. 8 contains the element clamping strip 45 and fastening means 47 of Fig. 7 except that the upper element 10 is carried between the parts 45 and 51. This latter is essentially of L-shaped transverse section and the element 14 is carried exteriorly thereof and upwardly as shown. The leg 52 is peripherally deformed to provide a channel 54 to seat a retaining loop 55 of wire, coil spring or other flexible means extending peripherally of the buck whereby the element 14 may be assembled on the frame and then detachably secured. Since wear will occur principally on the element 14 and virtually not at all on the element 10 the former may be expeditiously replaced by removing and replacing the loop 55.

In Fig. 9 we have shown still another form of frame interposed therebetween and oriented with the nap juxtaposed to said outer screen whereby, said virtue of the pressing force co-acting with the flow of steam through the assembly and work, the fibres of the nap are caused to intromit and become matted with the meshes of the outer screen to provide a surface for contact with the work which is of generally velvety texture intermeshed with the relatively firmer texture of the outer screen and means for detachably securing the screens and fabric to 11d which in most respects is similar in arrangement and function to that described in respect to Fig. 8 except that the element 10 is retained by a clamping strip 58 having a portion 59 parallel to the leg 61 of the principal frame member 51a and bearing on the upturned ,margin of the element 10. An inverted U-shaped portion 60 is adapted to be snugly fitted over the element 10 and leg 61. The fit may be such that the strip 58 is forced into clamping relation with the element 10 whereby the same may be replaced independently of the element 14.

The arrangement of Fig. 10 includes strips 64 and 65 corresponding in function to the modification of Fig. 6 except that the joint between the two strips is effected by returning a leg 66 of the strip 64 over the leg 67 of the strip 65 in a squeeze-type relation, and as will be clear from the figure.

In all of the arrangements of Figs. 5 to 10 certain spacings and clearances have been intentionally exaggerated in the interests of clarity. It will be obvious that where the upper and lower screen elements are separately clamped the space occupied by the screen material will, in the working embodiment mentioned, be only 0.018" and where both elements are jointly clamped this space will be only 0.036".

While we have shown particular embodiments of our invention, it will be understood, of course, that we do not wish to be limited thereto since many modifications may be made and we, therefore, contemplate by the appended claims to cover any such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of our invention.

We claim:

1. A steam diffusing assembly for ready attachment to or detachment from the working surface of the upper buck of a steam-heated fabric pressing machine, the surface having a plurality of orifices for passage of steam therethrough comprising: an outer flexible screen conformable to the work, an inner flexible screen adjacent the buck surface and conformable thereto, both said screens being of substantially the same area as the surface 'of the buck and comprising material which is resistant to corrosion and the working temperature of the steam and of shape-retaining character, said inner screen having a mesh providing interstices of substantially lesser area than said orifices to disrupt the plurality of jets of steam issuing from said orifices to provide diffused flow therefromover substantially the whole area of the inner screen, a napped fabric coextensive with said screens,

the buck as an assembly.

2. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said napped fabric is flannel.

3. The combination in accordance with claim 2 wherein said napped fabric is nylon flannel.

4. The combination in accordance with claim 1 further characterized by the interposition between said inner screen and napped fabric of a sheet of heat-resistant, pliable, porous material.

5. The combination in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means comprises a frame perpherally of the screens and fabric including a pair of nested L-shaped members having parallel vertical legs and parallel horizontal legs spaced apart and extending inwardly of the assembly, the coextensive margins of the screens and interposed napped fabric being upwardly bent for clamping-type engagement by said legs, and means for securing said members in clamping relation.

6. A steam diffusing assembly for ready attachment to or detachment from the working surface of the upper buck of a steam-heated fabric pressing machine, the surface having a plurality of orifices distributed thereover for passage of steam therethrough comprising: an outer screen conformable to the work, an inner screen adjacent the buck surface and conformable thereto, both said screens being of substantially the same area as the surface of the buck and comprising shape-retaining material which is resistant to corrosion and the working temperature of the steam, said inner screen having a mesh providing interstices of substantially lesser area than said orifices to disrupt the plurality of jets of steam issuing from said orifices to provide diffused flow therefrom over substantially the whole area of the inner screen, a napped fabric coextensive with said screens, interposed therebetween and oriented with the nap juxtaposed to said outer screen whereby, by virtue of the pressing force, coacting with the flow of steam through the assembly and work, the fibres of the nap are caused to intromit and become matted with the meshes of the outer screen to provide a modified surface for contact with the work which combines the comparative rigidity of the screen with the cushioning action of the nap and means for detachably securing the screens and fabric to the buck as an assembly.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,503,147 Zeidler July 29, 1924 1,551,149 Hadaway Aug. 25, 1925 1,669,068 Simpson May 8, 1928 1,755,802 Weinberger Apr. 22, 1930 1,810,984 Ray June 23, 1931 1,991,991 Voss Feb. 19, 1935 2,539,714 Young et al. Jan. 30, 1951 2,842,875 Spano July 15, 1958 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1 CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTION Patent No, 2,977,697 April 4, 1961 Nathan Root et a1.

error appears in the above numbered pat- It is h'ereby certified that the said Letters Patent should read 'as ent requiring correction and 'that corrected below.

Column 6, by

Signed and sealed this 29th day of August 1961,.

line 2, for "said", second occurrence, read (SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W.SWIDER Attesting Officer DAVID L. LADD Commissioner of Patents 

